PROSSER, Wash. – The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) has announced the program for its 2009 annual meeting to be held Tuesday, April 21st at the Marriott Hartford Downtown in Hartford, Conn. The meeting will emphasize the strategies repairers can use to survive and thrive in an evolving industry.
The first of two major forums is intended to speak directly to this theme. A panel of past SCRS chairmen will discuss, in town hall format, how the industry has changed over the years and the repairer strategies they witnessed during their tenures that did and did not work.
SCRS Chairman Gary Wano notes, "It is not only important, but imperative to understand the dynamics between what our industry was 'then' and what it is now. Learning from those who helped to write chapters in our history will serve as a guide for us as we move forward to advance ourselves and our businesses."
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The Auto Body Association of Connecticut has arranged for a presentation by Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, followed immediately by an audience question and answer session. Blumenthal will speak on several topics, including why and how he became interested in the auto repair industry, what actions his office has taken on industry-related issues and what tactics collision repairers and state groups can utilize to get state legislatures and attorneys general interested in relevant issues with the goal of passing legislation supporting repairer interests.
A full complement of other events rounds out the agenda. Included are the SCRS board meeting, the annual election of SCRS officers and the SCRS-hosted corporate awards dinner. The 2009 SCRS annual meeting is being held in conjunction with the NABC board meeting and Collision Industry Conference (CIC). A full schedule follows:
Tuesday, April 21
10:30 AM - Noon SCRS board meeting
1:00 - 5:00 PM NABC board meeting
1:00 - 4:00 PM Executive directors conference
5:00 - 5:30 PM SCRS annual meeting
6:00 - 10:30 PM SCRS corporate awards dinner (RSVP required by Friday, April 10)
Wednesday, April 22
8:00 AM - 12:30 PM SCRS Forum (RSVP required by Friday, April 10)
8:00 - 8:15 Welcome and introductions
8:15 - 10:15 "Lessons from the Past to Sustain Our Future": A panel discussion with SCRS Past Chairmen
10:30 - 12:30 Guest speaker: CT Attorney General Richard Blumenthal
1:30 - 5:30 PM Collision Industry Conference
6:30 - 9:00 PM CIC Reception
Thursday, April 23
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Collision Industry Conference
1:00 PM Traveler's training center tour (shuttle to leave from hotel - provided by Enterprise Rent-A-Car)
"What we have planned for April offers a tremendous opportunity for members of our industry, especially those who are local to Connecticut and the surrounding areas," states SCRS Executive Director Aaron Schulenburg. "SCRS has always worked hard to ensure the events at our annual meeting are timely, relevant and informative, and this year's dynamic schedule is sure to stimulate healthy participation and discussion. There is sure to be a great upside of benefit to all that attend."
Those interested in attending the 2009 SCRS annual meeting can register or get additional information by contacting Linda Atkins at (877) 841-0660 or [email protected]
